The effects of a stroke on the human body can be devastating; if the patient survives they can be left in a vegetative state or be left immobile with their cognitive and physical abilities forever impaired. Two of the most common impairments are Aphasia and loss of motor control. [1] This common presentation of the patient’s previous condition is not specific to a stroke, they can present in a wide range of conditions therefore the assistive devices that are used by stroke patients can be implemented in all the effected patients independent of the original cause. [2] A common instance of these symptoms presenting in patients who have not suffered from a stroke can be found in patients who have one of an array of different Motor Neurone Diseases.
Strokes are caused by a block in the blood supply to the brain which causes a decrease in oxygen and delivery of other important supplies which facilitate proper functioning. Fifteen million cases are reported worldwide annually, although not all of these cases are mortalities, the large prevalence of strokes ranks it as the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. (Figueroa) Because of the time sensitivity associated with the lack of resources to the brain, strokes are considered a medical emergency and early recognition of symptoms can help decrease the amount of damage caused . Although strokes do not always cause death, strokes most often leave the individual with some physical and cognitive impairment.
Stroke is a leading health care problem worldwide; ‘living with stroke’ is a real challenge both stroke survivors and their caregivers face.
Aneesh Singhal, MD, author of Recognition and management of stroke in young adults and adolescents, from the Clinical Journal of the American Academy of Neurology states
Brainstem strokes may result in sensory and motor symptoms as well as cranial nerve dysfunction depending on the localization of the lesion (Querol-Pascual, 2010). The 52-year-old woman presented by Bhatnagar (2013) experienced a medullary stroke; therefore, damage to the cranial nerves in the medulla may occur (glossopharyngeal (IX), vagus (X), spinal accessory (XI), and hypoglossal (XII)) (Williams, Perry & Watkins, 2013). However, the symptoms exhibited by the woman indicate that cranial nerves IX, X and XII were damaged. Previous studies have supported Bhatnagar’s claim that the symptoms exhibited by the woman are related to a medullary stroke (Benito-León & Alvarez-Cermeño, 2003; Gupta & Banerjee, 2014; Kim & Han, 2009; Mikushi, Kagaya,
A stroke can have a devastating effect on somebody; it may leave a person with no long-term effects, with a permanent weakness down one side of their body or, at worst, in a deep coma from which they never recover. When moving and handling people who have suffered from a stroke, you will need to be aware of the extent of the stroke and what parts
In many cases, strokes can be diagnosed, prevented and treatable. Symptoms of a stroke can occur quickly and may cause: sudden numbness, tingling, or weakness, or paralysis in your face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of your body. Sudden: vision changes, trouble speaking (slurred speech), confusion or trouble understanding simple statements, problems with walking or balance, severe headache. It's recommended to call a doctor or 911 even if these symptoms last for a short amount of time because a transient ischemic attack, or mini stroke may have occurred. The transient ischemic attack may be a precursor to a stroke occurring soon. Catching these symptoms can dramatically increase chances of prevention additional damage to the body (2).
Clients suffering from stroke have slow speech loss of memory, speechless one side of their body paralysed which cause restriction to their movement.
Strokes are caused by pathophysiological changes. The two major mechanisms of stroke consist of ischemia and haemorrhage. Ischemia is when there is no oxygen or not, merely enough oxygen to fuel the tissue level in the body. Haemorrhage in the brain, causing strokes can be due to non-traumatic intracerebral haemorrhage (Shah, MD, n.d.) (see appendix 1). This essay will further discuss the implications of strokes on a cellular, organ and system level. Explain the clinical presentation of the signs and symptoms of strokes and how the condition will be managed by a paramedic.
Stroke can be defined as an unexpected and evolving start of neurological symptoms due to a quick and steady blocking of blood stream to the brain. A stroke is a common brain injury that ranks amongst the leading causes of death around the world (Murray and Lopez et al 1997). The symptoms and the harshness of the injury is determined by the area, and the degree of damage it causes to the brain. A common result of a stroke is Hemiparesis, which effects only half of the body. This condition then adversely effects the different systems of the body causing weakness of the muscles and loss of agility. Following a stroke, many patients begin to experience a continuous sensorimotor shortage. This shortage in sensorimotor not only hinders their capacity
Stroke previously known as Cerebrovascular accident is well-defined as ‘an abrupt cessation of cerebral circulation in one or more of the blood vessels distributing the brain. Due to the interruption or diminish of oxygen supply causes serious damage or necrosis in the brain tissues (Jauch, Kissella & Stettler, 2005). There is a presence of one or more symptoms such as weakness or numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg, difficulty speaking or swallowing, dizziness, loss of balance, loss of vision, sudden blurring or decreased vision in one or both eyes and headache. Stoke is categorised into two types, Ischaemic and haemorrhagic
Once the patient received all of his tests he met with his doctor to discuss the results. On the patients ‘EMG’, results showed Abnormal, spontaneous activity,as well as fibrillations and fasciculations in the patient's tongue. An ‘EMG’ is used to investigate possible motor neurone disease and detect widespread denervation and fasciculations. Fasciculations are not under voluntary control, so they can be easily distinguished from voluntary movement. The patient’s ‘MRI’ results showed that the patients corticospinal tracts were suffering from volume loss,as well as iron deposits in the cortex which contributes to signal loss and neurodegenerative diseases. However Both of these features are present in varying degrees in normal patients, so by itself these results wouldn't stand out. But as results from other tests are put together with these results, a diagnosis can become much easier.
I declare that all material in this assessment is my own work except where there is a clear acknowledgement and reference to the work of others. I have read the University’s Academic and Scientific Misconduct Policy and understand its implications.* http://www.cdu.edu.au/governance/documents/3.3academicandscientificmisconduct.pdf
A cerebrovascular accident more commonly known as a stroke or brain attack is the term used to describe the sudden death of brain cells in a localized area due to inadequate blood flow. In order to woke the brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients. This supply is carried to the brain
Motor Neuron Disease MND is a disease that has no medical cure yet but there are medications that you can take to try and help the symptoms. Motor Neuron Disease doesn't damage the senses of eyesight, hearing, taste and smell. When diagnosed with MND you only have around 1 to 5 years to live. One of the side effects of MND is the movement of your limbs, which will be restricted and eventually will cease, along with you and your voice. Then you will be confined to a motorised wheelchair. MND will also affect the repertory system making you increasingly disabled and also making you unable to walk, run, jog and drive. MND will also affect your emotions and actions rapidly Motor Neuron Disease has affected many people from Neale Daniher, whose
Other symptoms involving the central and peripheral nervous system include: aseptic meningitis, cerebrovascular disease (CVA), demyelinating syndrome, headaches, movement disorder, myelopathy, confusion, cognitive dysfunction, inflammatory demyelinating syndrome, autonomic disorder, mononeuropathy, myathenic gravis, neuropathy, plexopathy, polyneuropathy (Isenberg & Manzi,2008). Neuropathy has two forms: sensory form, which refers to the numbing of hands and feet radiating to the forearm and legs that feel like pins and needles, and motor form, which refers to the weakness of hands and feet that makes it difficult to do daily activities (Isenberg & Manzi,2008). People who develop CVA may be unable to move their arm or leg or might be unable to speak, which can be caused by untreated high blood pressure, blocked arties in the brain from the build up of cholesterol and antiphospholipid antibodies (Isenberg &